A Sweet and Smoky Surprise
Let me tell you about my apple pie baked beans. I know it sounds funny. Apple pie and beans? My grandson thought so too. He made a face when I told him.
But one bite changed his mind. The sweet apples and smoky beans just work. It’s like a backyard party in your mouth. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it bakes?
Why This Combo Works
This recipe matters because it brings people together. It takes simple cans and makes magic. The sweet helps the savory taste even better.
Food should make you feel good. This dish is cozy and a little playful. It reminds us not to be afraid of new mixes. What’s the strangest food combo you’ve ever loved?
Grandpa’s Bacon Lesson
My husband taught me the bacon trick. He was very serious about it. You must cook that bacon until it’s truly crisp.
If it’s soft, it turns chewy in the oven. I still laugh at that. He would watch me cook and just say “crispier, Anna!” It matters because texture is part of the joy. That crunch on top is the best part.
A Little Secret for the Onions
Here’s another tip. Cook the onions just until they’re soft. You’ll see through them. Don’t let them turn brown and sweet.
We want the apple’s sweetness to shine. If the onions caramelize, they take over. Fun fact: This is called “sweating” the onions, not frying them. It makes all the difference in the flavor.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
This recipe is hard to mess up. Just stir everything in that big skillet. The oven does the rest of the work.
It’s perfect for a family dinner or a big picnic. Would you use a cast iron skillet or a baking dish? Tell me which you prefer. I love my old skillet for this.
What will you serve with your beans? I think grilled chicken is perfect. But I’d love to hear your ideas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| center-cut bacon | 8 slices | cut into 1-inch pieces |
| diced yellow onion | ½ cup | |
| baked beans | 56 ounces (two 28-ounce cans) | We used Bush’s Original brand |
| apple pie filling | 21 ounces | cut the larger pieces of apples into smaller ¾-inch pieces |
| bottled barbecue sauce | ½ cup | We used Sweet Baby Ray’s Original brand |
| light brown sugar | ¼ cup | |
| barbecue seasoning blend | 1 tablespoon |
A Cozy Pot of Apple Pie Baked Beans
Hello, my dear. Come sit a spell. Let’s make something special today. It’s my Apple Pie Baked Beans. Doesn’t that sound like a hug in a bowl? I first made this for a family picnic years ago. My grandson said it tasted like dessert for dinner. I still laugh at that.
It’s a simple, cozy dish. We start with good, honest bacon. The smell of it cooking is pure comfort. Then we mix in sweet apples and savory beans. The oven does the rest of the work. You’ll love how the flavors become best friends. Let’s begin.
- First, heat your oven to 350°F. Grab your big, heavy skillet. I love my old cast iron one. It makes everything taste better, I think. Put your bacon pieces in the cold pan. Then turn the heat to medium.
- Cook that bacon slowly. We want it nice and crispy. This takes about 12 to 14 minutes. Listen to it sizzle! (Here’s a hard-learned tip: Crispy bacon now won’t turn rubbery later in the beans). Use a spoon to take the bacon out. Leave that tasty grease in the pan.
- Now, toss your diced onion into the bacon grease. Ah, that smell! Cook them for just a few minutes. We want them soft and see-through, not brown. Can you guess why? Why shouldn’t we caramelize the onions for this recipe? Share below!
- Time for the fun part! Add the baked beans right to the skillet. Next, the apple pie filling. Give those big apple chunks a little chop first. Then in goes the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, seasoning, and your crispy bacon. Stir it all together with a smile.
- Slide the whole skillet into your hot oven. Bake it for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and happy. I like to save a tiny bit of bacon for the top. Sprinkle it on just before serving. It looks so pretty.
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a favorite sweater. You can dress it up different ways. Here are three ideas I play with sometimes. They are all so good.
- Maple Morning Beans: Use maple bacon. Skip the barbecue sauce. Add a real splash of maple syrup instead.
- Garden Party Version: No bacon at all! Use a tablespoon of oil for the onions. It’s sweet and vegetarian-friendly.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions. Use a spicy barbecue sauce too. It wakes up your taste buds!
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
How to Serve Your Masterpiece
These beans love company. I serve them right from the warm skillet at the table. It feels so homey. For a full meal, I add a simple green salad. Buttery cornbread is the perfect partner, too. It’s great for soaking up the sweet sauce.
What to drink? A cold glass of apple cider is just right. It echoes the apple inside the beans. For the grown-ups, a chilled hard cider is lovely. It cuts through the richness. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Apple Pie Baked Beans Cozy
Let’s talk about storing these sweet and smoky beans. They keep beautifully. First, let them cool completely. Then pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will be happy there for four days.
You can freeze them for a later meal, too. I use old yogurt containers. I once forgot a batch in my freezer for a month. It tasted just as good reheated! This matters because a ready-made meal is a gift to your future, busy self.
To reheat, just warm them on the stove. Add a splash of water if they seem thick. You can also use the microwave. Stir them every minute until hot. Batch cooking this recipe saves so much time on busy nights.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Bean Troubles
Sometimes cooking has little bumps. Here are easy fixes. First, if your beans are too sweet, add a tablespoon of mustard. It balances the flavor perfectly. I remember when my grandson added extra pie filling. A little mustard saved the pot!
Second, if the beans seem too watery, bake them longer. Leave the oven on for 10-15 more minutes. The extra time lets the sauce thicken nicely. This matters because the right texture makes every bite comforting.
Third, do not skip cooking the bacon until crispy. Soft bacon turns chewy in the oven. Trust me on this. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence. You learn how each step changes the final dish.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Apple Pie Baked Beans Questions, Answered
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Check your baked beans and barbecue sauce labels. Many brands are gluten-free, but not all.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble it a day before. Keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready.
Q: What if I don’t have barbecue seasoning? A: Use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of chili powder. It works great.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, for a crowd. Use a very large oven-safe pot or a baking dish.
Q: Any optional tips? A: A fun fact: a dash of apple cider vinegar at the end makes the flavors pop!
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. It is a fun twist on a classic. I always say food tastes better when shared. I would love to see your creation.
Share a photo of your finished dish with friends. It makes my day to see your kitchen adventures. Your version might inspire someone else to start cooking.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking! —Anna Whitmore.
Apple Pie Baked Beans Recipe
Description
Sweet, smoky, and spiced baked beans with a secret apple pie twist! The ultimate easy side dish for BBQs and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large heavy-duty skillet (a 12-inch cast iron skillet works great), on medium heat, add the bacon pieces. Cook the bacon pieces for 12-14 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and most of the fat has rendered.
- Once the bacon pieces are crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet, and place the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- To the skillet of bacon grease, add the diced yellow onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the baked beans, apple pie filling, bottled barbecue sauce, light brown sugar, barbecue seasoning blend, and the cooked bacon pieces. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the skillet of apple pie baked beans to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the beans are bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- Make sure you cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This is what gives the bacon the proper texture. Otherwise, it could get rubbery as it cooks in the oven. Reserve two tablespoons of the cooked bacon to use as a garnish. Sprinkle them over the finished baked beans before serving. If you normally love caramelized onion, resist the urge to cook the onions beyond translucent. Caramelizing the onions will cause the onion flavor to overpower the flavor of the apple pie filling.
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